Paramount taps Marcoly, cuts 120 staffers

MarcolyCrippsParamount Pictures has tapped Anthony Marcoly as prexy of its international film operations and is cutting about 120 staff positions as the studio continues a consolidation effort announced in September. Marcoly, who ankled as president of Walt Disney Pictures Intl. in January 2010, replaces Andrew Cripps, who has opted not to stay with the studio. Based in Los Angeles, Marcoly will oversee Paramount Intl.'s distribution, finance and operations, reporting to vice chairman Rob Moore. Par currently has some 2,400 employees, and the 120 positionsto be eliminated include 80 in the U.S. and 40 on the international side. Par will shutter its Rio office entirely and downsize its London office significantly. Cripps had been expected to relocate from London to Los Angeles as part the consolidation efforts that Par began in September, but he opted to part ways with the studio rather than make the move. "We are undertaking this reorganization to best adapt to the global evolution in the movie business," said Paramount chairman-CEO Brad Grey. "We are grateful to Andrew for all he has done to help us build Paramount Intl., and we look forward to Anthony joining our team and bringing his extensive international experience to bear for our pictures." Marcoly spent 26 years with the Mouse House. Under his leadership, the studio launched numerous high-profile releases internationally, including the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. Marcoly also previously served as exec VP of distribution and acquisitions for Buena Vista Intl. and senior VP of distribution. Marcoly left Disney in early 2010, when Mouse House topper Rich Ross reorganized the exec ranks and charged Chuck Viane with oversight of international sales and distribution. Marcoly became a strategic adviser to 3D licensor RealD in October 2010. Paramount also recently announced the formation of a Home Media Distribution division that aims to consolidate the studio's home entertainment, digital licensing and television licensing activities worldwide under a single mantle, headed by Dennis Maguire. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com